As China prepares for the Lunar New Year holiday, the mood is generally positive, with state media expressing optimism. However, there is growing discontent and hopelessness among the population, who are feeling battered by months of economic uncertainty, falling employment, and a warning housing crisis. The Chinese government’s attempts to …
Read More »Gold Prices Hover as Investors Await Clarity on Fed’s Stance
Gold Prices Hover as Investors Await Clarity on Fed’s Stance In the European trading session on Tuesday, Gold prices (XAU/USD) exhibit a lack of decisive movement, ensnared within a tight range, as market participants eagerly await key insights from Federal Reserve (Fed) officials regarding their outlook on interest rates. The …
Read More »US Dollar Holds Firm, Australian Dollar Rises on Central Bank’s Hawkish Stance
The US dollar maintained its position near a three-month high on Tuesday, bolstered by reduced expectations of significant interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. Conversely, the Australian dollar saw an uptick following indications from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) suggesting a potential interest rate hike to address …
Read More »Oil climbs as traders digest geopolitical developments
Oil prices climbed by nearly a dollar per barrel on Monday, on concerns that Middle Eastern tensions and Russia’s escalating invasion of Ukraine could limit world supplies.Brent crude prices closed at $78.22 per barrel, up 66 cents (0.9%), while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures settled at $72.78 per barrel, …
Read More »Top Treasury officials visiting Beijing seeking to ease Sino-US economic tensions
The Treasury will send officials to China this week to discuss a variety of economic issues. Talks will focus on business and market practices that have put the superpowers at odds. The Treasury envoy will visit China this week as the two giants work to resolve economic tensions following last …
Read More »Rate cut outlook in light of recent remarks by Powell, Kashkari
Fed’s Neel Kashkari has stated that US interest rates at their highest levels in about 23 years are not hurting the economy and could buy policymakers more time before deciding whether to cut.Economic developments show that Fed policy is not as restrictive on growth as it appears on the surface, …
Read More »Caterpillar stock on track for record high on higher than expected earnings
Higher prices helped Caterpillar boost profit margins and offset a drop in sales volume. Higher prices helped Caterpillar boost profit margins and offset a drop in sales volume. Caterpillar shares were on pace to close at a record high after the excavator and bulldozer builder reported a fourth-quarter profit that …
Read More »Oil Prices Stabilize Amidst Middle East Tensions and Ceasefire Efforts in Gaza
In the early hours of Monday’s Asian trading session, oil prices steadied following significant declines last week. The market’s focus remained on ongoing attempts to negotiate a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. Despite these diplomatic efforts, the United States has signaled its intention to carry out additional attacks on …
Read More »Explainer: Why have commodities largely fluctuated in January?
In January 2024, financial markets were active and turbulent, with investors initially rejoicing as inflation fell and sectors such as semiconductors saw big gains. However, a hawkish central bank and geopolitical concerns tempered confidence, while dropping oil prices and stricter investment conditions put adverse pressure on investors.Financial markets continued its …
Read More »Consumer sentiment at highest level since July 2021
Consumer sentiment in the United States has hit its highest point since July 2021, with consumers anticipating increases in both inflation and personal income.According to the University of Michigan’s Surveys on Consumers, the index reached this level after a 13% month-over-month improvement in January, which was preceded by a 14% …
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